Gatwick further pushed its case for a second runway today after revealing record passenger growth last year.
Passengers using the airport grew by 4.8% to reach 35.9 million in the year to March, with one in five travelling on business.
Turnover was up by 10.2% to £593.7 million, resulting in a profit of £57.5 million against a loss of £29.1 million in the previous financial year.
Gatwick claimed that it increased its share of traffic in the London market over the 12 months “by competing vigorously” with other airports.
Chief executive Stewart Wingate said: “Gatwick’s record performance and growth to around 36 million passengers this year demonstrates how we are successfully competing in the London market and why we are best-placed to deliver the UK’s next new runway.
“Airlines and passengers are increasingly choosing to fly from Gatwick and this growth is expected to continue. And despite getting busier and handling growing numbers of passengers, we remain the top London airport for passenger satisfaction.”
He added: “Expansion at Gatwick would ensure London can effectively compete with its European neighbours and provide essential air links that the UK needs to both established and emerging markets.
“A two runway Gatwick would provide London and the UK with two world class airports and enable businesses to thrive and the economy to grow.
“It is, without a doubt, the obvious solution to creating the best future outcome for airlines, passengers and UK Plc, enabling more people to fly each year to the widest range of short and long haul destinations on more competitively priced fares.”
Further new routes are to be added next week (July 3) with the first low-fare transatlantic services by Scandinavian carrier Norwegian to New York using a Boeing 787 Dreamliner.
Gatwick said investment over the last five years has totalled more than £1.2 billion. A further £195 million is planned to be spent in the next financial year.